Picture choosen by: Mr.David Birch Stay Safe & Healthy in Canada Safety
Safety in Canada isn’t usually a problem even though major urban areas are experiencing higher than average rates, these rates are still extremely low as compared to similar sized urban areas in the United States and the rest of the world.
Policing
Canada’s police are hardworking, trustworthy individuals and are approachable if you encounter any problems during your stay.
Snatching of Luggage
The local police are willing to do whatever they can to help you if your purse or wallet was snatched. Often, important identification is retrieved after these sorts of thefts. Visitors or large cities should be aware that parked cars may be targeted for smash-and-grab thefts, therefore, it is wise to avoid leaving any valuables in open view. Due to the high occurrence of such crimes, motorists may be fined for leaving their car doors unlocked or for leaving valuables in view. Auto theft may occur in patrolled and overtly secure parking lots and decks, while bike thefts can be a common nuisance in metropolitan areas.
Winter storms
Winter storms, such as ice storms and blizzards, are common in Canada and are most likely to occur in Eastern Canada. However, small ones occasionally pop up west of NW Ontario. Driving is safe as long as you drive slow and are conscious of other drivers, but taking transit would be advisable. It is best to carry an emergency kit in case you might have to spend the night stuck in the snow on the highway. This happens occasionally, especially in the more isolated areas.
If you are touring on foot, it is best to wear as much clothing possible as winter storms can bring with them extreme winds alongside frigid temperatures and frostbite can occur.
Firearms
Possession, purchase and the use of any firearms requires a proper license for both weapon and user, and is also subject to federal law. Firearms are classed mainly based on barrel length, as:
•Non-restricted: subject to the least amount of training and licensing.
•Restricted: more licensing and training required.
•Prohibited: not legally available.
Most rifles and shotguns are non-restricted as they are often used for hunting, on farms and as protection in remote areas. Handguns are restricted weapons, but are legally obtainable with the proper licenses. Non-prohibited handguns may also be imported with the correct paperwork. Prohibited firearms will be seized and destroyed at customs. Travelers should check with the Canada Firearms Centre and the Canada Border services Agency before importing any firearms of any type before arrival.
Fires
Anywhere east of eastern Ontario is relatively safe from forest fires. Forest fires usually occur in the summer at the western provinces, NW Ontario and certain parts in the North. Be sure to check the news for info on forest fires, and be very cautious if you must go through them. The roads would usually be closed off. They are very unlikely in major cities, but be prepared for evacuation in smaller places.
The fires in British Columbia are very vicious and wide spread, and are a result of the combination of dry summers and large forests. Widespread forest fires are common throughout the northern part of the province, thankfully this is far away from the tourist hubs of Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver. The province had serious issues with forest fires in the summer of 1009, which resulted in thousands having to be evacuated.
Illicit Drug Use
The use of marijuana is illegal in Canada and the government is turning to stricter penalties for drug offences. Several new laws have been enforced in the last year restricting the use of marijuana and other controlled substances, all extending the prison sentences vastly.
Drunk Driving
In Canada, drunk driving is taken very seriously.
The legal limit for a criminal conviction would be 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.08%). Those crossing the land border into Canada from the USA while driving under the influence will be arrested by the Border Services Officers.

Health
The healthcare system in Canada is one of the best and is very effective and widely accessible. While Canada has free healthcare for residents, it is not free for visitors. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are covered by your insurance while travelling in Canada. While large hospitals in major cities can be extremely good, the hospitals in mid-sized cities without a large medical school tend to be underfunded and understaffed. Hospitals in working class neighborhoods of large cities tend to suffer from these same problems.
Most Canadian provinces have banned all indoor smoking in public places and near entrances. Some bans include areas like bus shelters and outdoor patios.
Food preparation
Canada has quite high standards for restaurant and grocer cleanliness. You are able to inform the manager if there is a problem with the food you have bought and will usually be compensated for the meal. It is unlikely to get sick from contaminated food.